Mailbag

To The Editor:
In response to Vera Liddle’s letter in the August 31 issue about the Andes forum on gas drilling. I also did not hear boos after Vera spoke, but instead heard applause when she finished. I thought the audience listened to what Vera had to say and was respectful of her thoughts.

I think Vera discussed an important aspect of the drilling issue, the economies of our region. While I disagree with Vera that drilling here may be the answers to our economic woes, I applaud her for discussing it. I know many others felt the same way.

To The Editor:
This is a letter of appreciation for the prompt repair of the George Lawrence Road in Denver. This road was severely damaged during Irene, leaving several families marooned.

Thanks to John Bubach and the Roxbury Town highway crew, by Tuesday our road was back in service. Those of us living in the valley truly appreciate their dedication and hard work during this difficult time.

To The Editor:
The people living in Shandaken Village Apartments, the senior residence in Phoenicia, encountered many difficulties in the wake of Hurricane Irene, and we are extremely grateful to the many individuals and organizations who helped us cope with this disaster. With no power or food, it was truly amazing how many people came to our aid, and we are forever thankful for their kindness. It really showed how humane and caring people can be in times of crisis.

To The Editor:
I wanted to take a moment to publicly thank Glenn and Erica Ancona of KDR Roll Off for their superhuman efforts to save all of the belongings that were stored at their facility in Kelly Corners last week. They risked their lives to get the storage units up onto Route 30 as the waters rose. Glenn was only convinced to stop after a 100-foot hemlock came roaring down the floodwaters at him.

To The Editor:
Since we’ve now had two “One Hundred Year Floods” in the last 15 years, does that mean that we’re now safe for the next 185 years? Just asking.

Bruce Beddoe,
Arkville

P.S. — By the way, who’s the wise guy going around saying that the picture of me on the front page of last week’s Catskill Mountain News was taken before the flood?
Good luck to all my friends, frenemies and enemies.

To The Editor:
Following the disastrous flooding from Hurricane Irene, much well deserved credit has been given to the local (and not so local) emergency services that came to our aid in our time of need.

However, I noted one branch of our public services was sorely lacking from any mention: our highway departments! During the storm, I personally watched Tim from the Kelly Corners patrol of the Delaware County Highway Department scurrying back and forth with equipment during the onslaught to help contain the damage and prevent new or further damage from occurring.

Approximately 1,000 residents of Prattsville were left homeless and devastated by Irene on August 28. Since then the cleanup has began. I was present at a business owners’ meeting where FEMA officials offered approximately $30,000 per business in grants and low interest loans for those who are eligible. That seemed to satisfy some but myself and others have their doubts.